Heavy 1968 rocksteady from the studio of Karl ‘Sir JJ‘ Johnson, with Lyn Taitt, possibly, on guitar. But the real mystery lies with the vocalists themselves, The Kingstonians, specifically the basso profundo:
Q: Are the tapes being slowed down, or does the bass vocalist really sing that deep?
“Put Down Your Fire”
The Kingstonians (1968)
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While I admit it is possible that the bass vocalist’s range could really be that low, I am suspicious, since none of the other Kingstonians singles from that same year feature backing vocals with anywhere close to the same bottom end. Listen for yourself — preview the audio yourself on YouTube by using song titles from this Kingstonians singles discography.
In 2012, someone would pay $797 for an original Jamaican white label pressing (vs. UK 45 issued on Doctor Bird) of “Put Down Your Fire.” It cannot be denied: some people are prepared to spend hundreds of dollars on Kingstonians 45s — including over $2,000 for “Torture and Flames” by lead vocalist Jackie Bernard.
Modern repress, it would seem
Note the address on the 45 above – “133 Orange Street” – which would make it next-door neighbors with Rockers International, one of the last remaining vinyl shops on Kingston’s famed record row, Orange Street, and the subject of a Guardian piece from March, 2015: “Rockers International Records on Orange St., Kingston: Reggae Playlist.”
Prince Buster‘s former record store – Orange St.
[photo courtesy Guardian UK]
